Im starting to get into the wash and wax zone where i'll be using a porter cable, but i am new to PC and have never used one. I was thinking of using a random orbit PC, but then again it's not strong enough to remove swirls and straches (read on a thread). i want something strong enough to remove fine straches and swirl marks since my car has many and i was wondering what PC (rotary) would you guys recommand for a noobie.

and tips and advice as well


Thanks a lot guys.
-Andrew

 

The Porter Cable (PC), either 7424 or 7336 (basically same machine) is plenty strong to remove most swirls and lighter scratches when used with the proper pads and polishes and the right technique.

A rotary polisher takes a good bit of practice and experience to master and poses a danger of making your finish worse, burning the clear coat or removing clear and paint altogether if used improperly - it's a good tool, but I would NOT recommend it for a beginner. It's possible, but very difficult, to achieve the same damage with a PC.

I'd recommend you check out the detailing guide available at www.autopia-carcare.com and www.bettercarcare.com as well as the forums at www.autopia.org for good information to get you started.

 

It's almost a certainty that you will make a mistake with a rotary first time out. So unless you've got a beater or some spare body panel for practice.....

A PC will get it done. Orange pad and Intensive Polish has worked for my beater, and you can get more aggressive than that if need be.

 

Can you guys recommand me to what pads to use. I've checked out some pads and they have different colors and that is when the confusion starts. I have no clue what's the difference in the pads.

 

http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/store.p...detail&ct=65104

I had success using just the blue and green pads on paint. Used the yellow for headlights.

 

Another option to a PC or high speed buffer is a Cyclo polisher. I have used one of theese for a few years now and it is really a great polisher. It has dual orbital heads and can cover a large area quickly, and SAFLEY. The only way you will hurt your paint with this polisher is if you drop it on your car.

Here is a link
Clylo Polisher

 

for the cyclo.